Pages

Stop, Look and Listen

Friday, November 22, 2013

When I was a child, my mother taught me a little poem to help me remember to be careful when crossing the street. In turn, I taught it to my children. And today, I still think of it whenever I take that first step onto a road.

“Stop, look and listen before you cross the street. Use your eyes and use your ears before you use your feet!”

When those wise words are followed, we will avoid stepping into a harmful and dangerous situation. And, when those wise words are applied with a Biblical perspective to the choices we face in our lives, we are better equipped to make the right decision.When we stop to pray, look in God’s word and listen for His answers we will avoid taking that dangerous wrong step. But how do we learn to hear Him?

The shepherds of ancient Israel spent much of their lives in close proximity to their sheep. As the shepherd watched for hidden dangers in the fields and fed and watered their flock, the shepherd and sheep learned to recognize each other easily. Each night the shepherd led his sheep into the safety of the sheepfold. Often, the fold was comprised of more than one shepherd’s flock. But, the voice of the shepherd was so familiar to his sheep that when night passed and morning came, one call would bring only the sheep which belonged to him to the gate.

As we come to know our Lord and Shepherd, we too, will learn to recognize His voice.

Being in daily communion with Him through quiet times, prayer, worship and service, will deepen our connection with Him. Soon, His voice will be easily recognized for it will become familiar to our hearts.

God is our Shepherd and Guide who lovingly cares for us throughout our lives. As we pray for His guidance when faced with a difficult choice we can be sure that He will direct us to safety. So, rather than running on ahead of our Lord, we need to actively pursue His answers by drawing near to Him. For the closer we come to Him, the more easily we will recognize His voice. As we step out in faith, we need to remember to kneel down and pray.

Trusting Him,

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Share This Story

I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Joan and I like to describe myself as an “extroverted introvert”! If I followed my natural inclinations, I’d have a lot of uncomfortable time on my hands. But, life is too short for that! I’ve made the choice to step out and step up, making connections and hopefully encouraging others as I do! I love to laugh until my sides hurt, share coffee moments with friends and sit and talk for hours. I started this blog out of my love for God with the hope I would encourage other women with the truths He has taught and is still teaching me.

You Might Also Like

13
comments

Hey Joan- this is a great post- loved the rhyme- if I ever get any grand-kids I'd like to teach them.

Hearing God's voice has become easier for me in the last year or two because I am always seeking His advise, and have finally learnt to stop talking and just sit and listen.

I have a favourite verse I am always quoting which relates to this:Psalm 143:9-10. If you wake me each morning with the sound of your loving voice, I’ll go to sleep each night trusting in you. Point out the road I must travel; I’m all ears, all eyes before you.

Whenever I need an answer, I ask God before I go to sleep and in the morning often the first thing when I become awake is the answer [ His loving voice].

Thanks for your encouragement, Mary! That's a great idea to ask the question before sleep as we pray...I've also started to read His word before bed as during sleep, my dreams are sweeter (that's not the only reason of course, but it is a nice blessings!) I love how God speaks to us when we sit still long enough to hear Him!

Dear JoanJust like you taught your children the safe way to cross a street, our Heavenly Pappa, being the best parent that He is, wants to leads us also to safety through this world. I have found that we learn His voice when we draw deep into the Life of Jesus within us for Christ in me is my hope of all glory. Sometimes it feels as if my heart can burst of joy when I realize that our Lord who died on that cruel cross for us, is now living in my heart!! What a great privilege!Blessings XXMia

Hi Mia! I love that when we draw near to God by spending time with Him (reading the word, praying, listening, worshiping) we learn to recognize His voice! The more we get to know Him, the easier it becomes! It is such a comfort, isn't it?

So amazing how closely this links up with what I wrote today.... love it when God does that! :) Beautiful thoughts today, Joan, and oh-so-true! So comforting to know that not only do we recognize His voice, but He knows US!! Wow. Heart Hugs, Shelly

Excellent post, Joan. I loved how you tied the children's rhyme to our walk with God to make a great word picture. Great historical reference regarding the shepherds, as well. Thanks again for sharing your insight and the uplifting message!

About Me

I’m so glad you’re here! My name is Joan and I like to describe myself as an “extroverted introvert”! If I followed my natural inclinations, I’d have a lot of uncomfortable time on my hands. But, life is too short for that! I’ve made the choice to step out and step up, making connections and hopefully encouraging others as I do! I love to laugh until my sides hurt, share coffee moments with friends and sit and talk for hours. I started this blog out of my love for God with the hope I would encourage other women with the truths He has taught and is still teaching me.